Megace instead of Tamoxafin?

Pinky68

Hi everyone!
After my last treatment in Oct. 2011, my previous onco wrote me an rx for Tamoxafin. I didn't fill the rx because I started seeing a different oncologist. I'm ER+ at 99%, PR+ at 70%, and HER2 negative. My new onco put me on Megace (Megestrol Acetate) stating "this will get rid of your hot flashes". I'm in menopause since my first chemo in March 2011, and had those dreadful hot flashes quite frequently. The hot flashes went away after taking Megace for 3-4 days, he prescribed 40mg X4 daily to stop hot flashes then taper down to one 40mg a day. I've been taking this since Dec. 2011.
I have read a lot of you take Tamoxafin, so I asked my onco about it a few days ago. After he asked me "why are you asking?" he said my body may not be able to tolerate the side effects of Tamoxafin..........I still don't know anything about Megace. Is it in the same category as Tamoxafin? Should I be taking Tamoxafin along with Megace? I'm so confused!
My original onco isn't working anymore and I'm just not thrilled with my current one.
Any suggestions or thoughts on this? I hope you all have a relaxing and peaceful weekend.....Try to have lots of fun too!
Hugs and prayers,
Joyce

SIROD

Megace
Hi Joyce,

Megace is a hormonal drug and used for breast cancer, though not often used these days. I am not certain but I don't think one takes both drugs. Perhaps some other lady here might be able to answer.

Following is some information on Megace from breastcancer.org. I am also including one that has more information on this drug. This is an excellent web site for information.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/megace.jsp

Brand name: Megace

Chemical name: Megestrol

Class: Progestin hormonal therapy. There are no other progestins used to treat breast cancer.

How it works: Progestins suppress the effects of estrogen on cancer cells.

Uses: Megace may be used to:

Ease symptoms of metastatic breast cancer, including loss of appetite
Treat advanced-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in women not responding to tamoxifen

How it's given: Megace is taken orally as a pill or liquid.

Additional information: Megace is a man-made version of the human hormone progesterone.

Side effects:

loss of libido
vaginal bleeding
insomnia
gas
rash

The following will bring you to a page where there are more articles on Megace.

http://www.breastcancer.org/search.jsp?terms=megace

Wishing you the best,

Doris

New Flower

SIROD said:

Megace
Hi Joyce,

Megace is a hormonal drug and used for breast cancer, though not often used these days. I am not certain but I don't think one takes both drugs. Perhaps some other lady here might be able to answer.

Following is some information on Megace from breastcancer.org. I am also including one that has more information on this drug. This is an excellent web site for information.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/megace.jsp

Brand name: Megace

Chemical name: Megestrol

Class: Progestin hormonal therapy. There are no other progestins used to treat breast cancer.

How it works: Progestins suppress the effects of estrogen on cancer cells.

Uses: Megace may be used to:

Ease symptoms of metastatic breast cancer, including loss of appetite
Treat advanced-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in women not responding to tamoxifen

How it's given: Megace is taken orally as a pill or liquid.

Additional information: Megace is a man-made version of the human hormone progesterone.

Side effects:

loss of libido
vaginal bleeding
insomnia
gas
rash

The following will bring you to a page where there are more articles on Megace.

http://www.breastcancer.org/search.jsp?terms=megace

Wishing you the best,

Doris

Joyce talk to your doctor

Joyce,
Please talk to your doctor and ask to explain his decision. He has medical reasons for his choice.
From what I read it is a not prophylactic drug.
In addition to Doris information, there is another site where you can read about this drug
http://www.drugs.com/pro/megace.html

If you are not happy with his answers, you can alway seek a second opinion. Both PPO and HMOs allow to do it.
Hugs
New Flower

Pinky68

New Flower said:

Joyce talk to your doctor

Joyce,
Please talk to your doctor and ask to explain his decision. He has medical reasons for his choice.
From what I read it is a not prophylactic drug.
In addition to Doris information, there is another site where you can read about this drug
http://www.drugs.com/pro/megace.html

If you are not happy with his answers, you can alway seek a second opinion. Both PPO and HMOs allow to do it.
Hugs
New Flower

Thanks for info
Sirod and New Flower..........Thanks for the info, I've tried researching it online earlier but didn't have much luck. I'm checking on the sites you suggested right now, then I'll probably have more questions to post!!!

Thanks so much,

Joyce